complement 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)
Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

complement

2 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌment How to pronounce complement (audio)
as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
The Vulcan launch next month will be the first to fly with a full complement of six solid rocket boosters. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026 With the complete battery complement installed, the concept is claimed to produce 195 hp and weigh 485 lb (220 kg). — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
Soft purple eye shadow complemented the intricate three-dimensional flowers on her gown, while pink blush high on her cheekbones gave the 20-year-old actress a flattering glow. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026 While sneakerinas were the tennis shoe of the summer, chunky sneakers provide a heftiness that complements fall layers and heavier fabrics. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
  1. supplement
  2. capacity
  3. adorn
  4. volume
  5. enhance
  6. real estate
  7. complete
  8. decorate
Noun
  • The charter currently fixes that salary at $6,000 a year, though multiple pay supplements have commissioners earning about $83,000 annually.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The list of what the office regulates encompasses home, car, health, life to car insurance and pet insurance, as well as worker’s compensation, ride-hailing and Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of supplement
Noun
  • The additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of capacity
Verb
  • For the residency, Golann produced a monumental wooden vessel adorned with nature motifs carved in bas relief.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Tables adorned with lush greenery and floral arrangements were set with marinated olives, Marcona almonds, and bread and butter.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • Both engines target military applications where production volume and affordability matter.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • DoorDash has emerged as the most successful stand-alone online delivery platform in America, commanding some two-thirds of all food-delivery volumes as of 2024, according to Bloomberg data.
    — Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of volume
Verb
  • Throughout history, some were commissioned to enhance the interiors with their signature flair while others bartered their artwork for breaks on daily rates and others simply just thrived off the scene.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Each picture mode offers essentially the same rich set of options, except for AI-enhanced, which locks you out of some settings (including local contrast and color tuner), presumably because the AI logic is handling those.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • The proposals, which are backed by the political action committee Building a Better California, include a ban on new taxes on financial assets and other personal property, a category that excludes real estate.
    — SOPHIE AUSTIN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The entrepreneur and scion of a California real estate family became the antagonist in Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s documentary.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of real estate
Verb
  • Ricketts won a special election in 2024 to complete Sasse’s term.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Avianca recommends travelers complete the statement in advance.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of complete
Verb
  • At Albany Park’s Bon Vivant Cakes, holiday decorating classes include a Christmas in Copenhagen cookie workshop, Funky Tree cake workshop, and Vintage Christmas cake workshop.
    — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In fact, the brand also offers helpful guides like gallery wall decorating tips and an array of free, downloadable art to make the process feel less daunting.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of decorate

Browse Nearby Words

compleat
complement
complementary
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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on complement

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about complement

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